Groups of animal lovers exploring The Oldest City will definitely want to schedule a special tour of the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, a non-profit corporation and wonderful rescue center for unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused exotic animals. Frequently, parties obtain an exotic pet, only to realize the animal’s wild nature doesn’t fit into their routines as they expected; the Wild Reserve steps up and rescues these creatures from sadly unfortunate domestic situations and gives them back their lives in a safe haven designed to properly meet their requirements and ensure happier, healthier futures while in the protective custody of caring and attentive individuals who cater to the special needs of wild animals in captivity. Mountain lions, tigers, an African lion, wolves, leopards, and a menagerie of smaller mammals including several cervals, a bobcat, a bushbaby, a caracal, a Siberian lynx, a jungle cat, an assortment of birds including fancy chickens and geese and even a Madagascar Hissing cockroach call the Wild Reserve home. All eight of the Reserve’s beloved tigers are treated to luxurious, weekly bubble baths, providing the big cats clean, pest-free coats and hours of necessary enrichment. Guests are given “no-cameras-allowed” guided tours of the seven-acre compound by experienced wildlife professionals who introduce every species and share each animal’s biography; they meet and enjoy close interaction with many of the resident exotics, including precious Onyx, the Reserve’s beloved black leopard who beat cancer but lost a leg in the process, gaining star status when Ripley’s Believe it or Not featured her fascinating story on their national television show.

Credit St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches CVB

Groups on Sunshine State excursion exploring historic St. Augustine area landmarks and points of interest won’t want to miss this well-preserved part of the Florida National Park System, a somewhat small and primitive yet crucial monument commemorating the Spanish phase of Colonial American history. For centuries, Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World and tiny coquina-stone Fort Matanzas, a seven – man, five – cannon structure with a 1500 gallon fresh water cistern built into the rear of the gundeck fiercely guarded Matanzas Inlet, the “back door” to the “Oldest City” of St. Augustine. Although the Fort was originally built on just two acres of land, time, tides and the hand of man have contributed to the island’s growth to nearly 200 acres, today known as Rattlesnake Island. This fascinating landmark is accessible only by ferry and complimentary park service – guided character tours are offered on the hour, acquainting you with the pristine natural surroundings while bringing Fort Matanzas’ important history to life. Imagine yourself a soldier assigned to this fortified watchtower; close your eyes, and listen to what this very early part of our Nation’s history has to tell you.

Groups on Sunshine State getaway won’t want to miss out on an afternoon at the Colonial Quarter—a fascinating, two-acre signature attraction in the very heart of St. Augustine’s historic downtown district. Enjoy a fabulously immersive foray into the rich and culturally-diverse past of the Nation’s Oldest City with a narrated Historical Adventure Tour, or wander the grounds at your leisure and see three centuries of city life unfurl with every step. Climb to the top of a 35-foot, 17th century-style watchtower and imagine you’re a Spanish soldier on duty – are you seeing what he saw? Stroll the colorful Flags of St. Augustine Boardwalk, watch skilled boatwrights at work crafting a 16th Century sailing vessel, find shady refuge beneath a mighty Colonial Oak in the center of the 18th Century Garrison Town or thrill to live musket and cannon firing drills. Enjoy savory tapas in a charming, candle lit taberna atmosphere or classic pub fare from a sunny deck overlooking the hustle and bustle of famed St. George Street. Drop by a colonial leatherwork shop, see a 1770’s printing press at work, dig for buried 16th Century artifacts, witness a blacksmith bent over his anvil and visit the carefully restored one-room colonial De Mesa-Sanchez house and an authentic 17th Century soldier’s home. Don’t forget a stop at the Mercado for that perfect memento of your Colonial Quarter experience!

Groups visiting the Old City in search of a little *extraordinary* after-dark entertainment will definitely enjoy one of area historian Sandy Craig’s wildly popular “Ghostly Experience Tours.” More than 20 years ago she realized groups lodging in St. Augustine overnight desperately needed a safe, fun evening activity. She and a few local writers and researchers put their heads together, investigated endless stories and photos, files, documents and diaries and designed a guided tour based on verifiable ghost “sightings” and other odd occurrences in the historic city, today considered a hotbed of paranormal activity. Her eerily fun tours met instant success! Expert guides usher guests down narrow, centuries-old cobblestone streets, by dim lantern light, searching for any glimpse of the supernatural. Participants are regaled with terrifying true stories of St. Augustine’s “dark side,” learn actual “haunting habits,” pick up a few tried-and-true spirit-spotting tips and are advised to “be on the lookout for swooping lights, unearthly fog and ghostly shadows in the night,” phenomena which have actually been witnessed at the “haunted” sites Sandy’s groups visit. Why do these spirits linger still, and occasionally appear to humans? Tours depart every night at 8pm, rain or shine, and last approximately 75 minutes; be prepared to spend the rest of your St. Augustine getaway pondering possible answers!

Do you only have one day to visit Virginia Beach? If so, there are plenty of attractions to visit with your group. Take some time and enjoy the scenery and most of all have fun! The location features many museums and historic sites for visitors to explore. Featured museums and sites include: the Adam Thoroughgood House, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, Cape Henry Lighthouses, the Francis Land House, the Military Aviation Museum, the Naval Aviation Monument, Old Coast Guard Station, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also the Air and Space Center and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Are you looking for entertainment? If so, there are many choices available. Entertainment options include: Flyboarding, Fishing, Hang gliding, concerts, and Stand Up Paddleboarding. The group can also visit the boardwalk for entertainment as well. Come splash in the water and see the breathtaking view in Virginia Beach!

Busch Gardens is located near Virginia Beach. This location is a fun attraction for all ages. Take a day and visit the amusement park while you are in the Virginia Beach area. Your group will have tons of fun on the slides and rides! The park features thrilling Roller Coasters. Featured rides include the following: Apollo’s Chariot, the Griffon, Verbolten, Alpengeist and the Loch Ness Monster. Apollo’s Chariot will take riders to daring heights, only to dazzle the group on the way back down with one of the smoothest fastest trails ever blazed. Other rides include: Da Vinci’s Cradle, Der Autobahn, Europe in the Air, Battering Ram, Flying Machine, Trade Wind and Turkish Delight. Water rides include: Roman Rapids, Le Scoot, and Escape from Pompeii. If you enjoy shows, then Busch Gardens has several to consider. Show options include the following: London Rocks, Celtic Fire, Mix it Up, The Secret Life of Predators and Pet Shenanigans. There are also concerts held at the park as well. If fun and entertainment are what interest your group you need to come to this one-of-a-kind Theme Park!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

Luray Caverns is located In Virginia Beach. Visitors of all ages are welcome. There are plenty of attractions to keep the group entertained. There is so much to do all in one place. Featured attractions include the following: the LURAY VALLEY MUSEUM, the GARDEN MAZE, the CAR and CARRIAGE MUSEUM, the SINGING TOWER, GEM SLUICE, TOY TOWN JUNCTION, ROPE ADVENTURE PARK, and LURAY CAVERNS. When you visit the Luray Valley Museum, you’ll step back into time and discover the rich history of the Shenandoah Valley. The museum also features items from pre-contact Native peoples to life in the bustling 1920s. The Gem Sluice is full of hands-on history and fun for all. The group will get an interactive history and geology lesson. Kids and adults can take part in mining for gold. Roll up your sleeves, get your hands wet, and discover a good time! The Car and Carriage Museum features an 1892 Mercedes-benz which is one of the oldest cars in the country still in operating condition. Come with the group to this amazing destination!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The location celebrates the 237 year history of the fleet in the Hampton Roads region. Groups of all ages are welcome. There are guided tours available as well as exhibits in the museum. The location features various exhibits for visitors to explore. Featured exhibits include: Silver Service, Models of USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, the Battle of the Altlantic Exhibit, and Builder’s Model USS America. The exhibits tell the story of American Sailors and ships in Hampton Roads. Featured artifacts include: a painting of the 1781 Battle off the Virginia Capes, a 1798 18-pounder cannon from the frigate USS Constellation, and artifacts from the cruiser CSS Florida and the sloop-war USS Cumberland. The Battle of altlantic Exhibit features the following: The original builder’s model of the ill-fated battleship USS Maine, A Mark 7 undersea mine from World War I, A torpedo warhead from the German Submarine U-352, and A 1944 coxswain navigation map of Omaha Beach. Come bring your group to this fascinating landmark!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

Are you interested in the supernatural? If so, your group can take a Ghostly Walking Tour in Virginia Beach. You can take a walk on the Boardwalk and listen to some scary stories along the way. Featured tours include: Ghost Tour by Candle Light, Virginia Beach Boardwalk Ghost Lantern Tours, Pirates, Witches, and Ghosts. During the lantern tour, the group can take photos and become ghost hunters. On the Witches tour visitors will hear about the most famous witch in Virginia. You will hear about her trial from your tour guide. Are you interested in the darker side of Virginia Beach’s past? If so,the Pirate tour is the one for you. the Guests will hear the story of Blackbeard’s pirate crew who plundered ships off its beach’s. Some people say they have seen Blackbeard’s ghost on the Boardwalk. Come with your group and have a ghostly encounter with the spirits that haven’t gone to the other side.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours

First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. Your group can take part in many different activities. The park is 2,888 acres. Featured activities include the following: swimming, hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. You may also enjoy a picnic during the visit. If you enjoy the water, the Chesapeake Beach is part of First Landing State Park. The park contains several different habitats for visitors to explore. There are 19 miles of trails where visitors can take a hike or ride a bike. Featured habitats include the following: the salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater wetlands, dunes, and the bay shoreline. If you want to stop and have a picnic, the park has an area available. The picnic area offers the following features: drinking water, fire grills, trash cans, picnic tables, a group camping pavilion, and a restroom facility. Come with your group to visit this one-of-a-kind attraction!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Virginia Beach Tours